Real Talk

Real Talk is a campaign created by local teens for teens and parents to start conversations about drugs and alcohol. Real Talk hopes to change the social norms and attitudes around substance use.

Many teens have skewed perceptions about their peers drinking. Although teens commonly believe all of their peers drink, 62.7% of Vernon youth surveyed in 2019 reported they do not drink alcohol and 69% perceived alcohol to be a moderate to great risk. For more facts on alcohol and substance use in Vernon youth click HERE.

Reasons Teens Try Substances

There are a variety of reasons teenagers experiment with alcohol and drugs, but some of the most common reasons include:

Stress- teens who are stressed may turn to substances to cope, instead encourage them to find healthy coping mechanisms.

Peer pressure- not only are teens pressured by their peers, but with social media at their fingertips teens are feeling the pressure to look and act like their favorite celebrities

Transitions- transitions can be difficult to navigate and teens may seek alcohol or other substances as a solution. Moving from middle school to high school, going through a break-up, or moving can put strain on a teen.

Information provided by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Revised May 2020

Members presenting campaign ideas to the coalition

Members designing a “Real Talk Vernon” logo

A member passionately discussing social norms, protective factors, and risk factors!

Members volunteering at our Second Annual Vernon Community Basketball Tournament

Unfortunately, sexual minorities often face social stigma, discrimination, and other challenges like violence and harassment, not experienced by those who identify as heterosexual. These challenges mixed with other stressors lead sexual minorities to be at an increased risk for substance use. According to SAMHSA, substance use disorders affect 20 to 30% of the LGBTQIA+ population, compared to 8.4% of the general population. People who identify as gay and lesbian are more than twice as likely as those who identify as heterosexual to have a severe alcohol or tobacco use disorder. That number raises to three times as likely for people who identify as bisexual, and five times as likely for people who are unsure how to identify their sexuality (National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2017). The Vernon ROCKS Coalition wants everyone to know there are supportive people, and resources to help and you are not alone. We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. Visit our website for more information. www.vernonrocksct.org/pride-month/... See MoreSee Less